Writers, whether they are freelance magazine writers and bloggers or budding novelists, are always eager to learn something new that will propel their career to the next level. To that end they will scour the Internet for information, join forums, participate in chats, and travel to conferences.

They will spend money on subscription services such as newsletters or videos. They will fill their office with how-to books written by people who have succeeded. Since publishing is rapidly changing, the latest and greatest techniques are the viral must-haves.

But wisdom is timeless. Technology is changing the way the publishing business operates, but the core principles remain intact. Writers must deliver compelling content while making sound business decisions. They must use the skills and abilities they currently have while developing new skills and simultaneously improving their current skill set.

Modern organizations like to speak about Best Practices. Here is a list of Best Practices that have been proven time and time again.

From various sources:

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again! (William Edward Hickson)

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. (Origin uncertain)

Your reach should exceed your grasp. (Robert Browning, Men and Women and Other Poems)

Be nice to the people you pass going up the ladder; you will meet them again on your way down.

I am a firm believer in luck, and the harder I work the luckier I am. (Thomas Jefferson or Mark Twain?)

Brevity is the soul of wit. (Shakespeare)

Do not put off until tomorrow what you can do today. (Ben Franklin)

Poor Richard’s Almanack:

Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.

If you were a servant would you not be ashamed that a good master should catch you idle? Then if you are your own master be ashamed to catch yourself idle.

After crosses and losses men grow humbler and wiser.

The learned fool writes his nonsense in better languages than the unlearned; but still it is nonsense.

Being ignorant is not so much a shame as being unwilling to learn.

Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults.

If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading or do things worth writing.

All things are easy to industry, all things difficult to sloth.

Reading makes a full man, meditation a profound man, discourse a clear man.

Dennis P. McGeehan is a husband, homeschooling Dad of eight, a Martial Artist, Freelance Writer, Author and Speaker. He is a member of the Catholic Writers Guild. His latest book is titled The Diaries of Joseph and Mary.